The growth of megacities, urban areas with a population of over 10 million, is a reflection of the rapid pace of urbanization in countries across the world.

In 1990, there were just 10 megacities across the globe. By 2030, this is expected to rise to 41, according to the UN.

Guangzhou, Guangdong in China tops the list of the world’s fastest growing megacities between 2010 and 2015.

Image: UN

The fastest growing megacities

The Pearl River port city of Guangzhou, located in Guangdong province, grew at an average rate of 5.2% every year between 2010 and 2015. Its population reached 12.5 million last year.

Image: UN World Urbanization Prospects

Guangzhou is one of five Chinese cities in a top 10 dominated by urban areas in emerging and developing economies. Karachi, Delhi and Kinshasa all feature, alongside Dhaka and Lagos.

This reflects the ongoing growth in urbanization in Africa and Asia. According to the UN’s World Urbanization Prospects, India, China and Nigeria alone will account for over a third of urban growth between 2014 and 2050.